Denzel Washington was baptized and presented with a minister’s license at New York City’s Kelly Temple Church of God on Saturday.
Washington, who celebrates his 70th birthday December 28, was seen in a series of images documenting his day at the religious institution.
The two-time Oscar winner was seen being presented by with documents affirming his status as a minister by Bishop James Pullings, Jr.
Church officials announced to the audience that the well-known actor has officially become a member of the clergy of the Churches of God in Christ Worldwide, as reported by TMZ on Sunday.
In a series of images, Washington was seen clad in a white robe with a burgundy stole with a cross on the upper half of each side.
Church officials were seen submerging The Equalizer leading man into the water in the baptism ceremony.
Denzel Washington, who was approaching his 70th birthday, was granted a minister’s license at the Kelly Temple Church of God in New York City. Accompanied by Bishop James Pullings, Jr., the actor was seen accepting this new role with grace.
Church officials were seen submerging Washington into the water in the baptism ceremony
Hailing from Mount Vernon, New York, Denzel Washington had the unwavering support of his wife of over forty years, Pauletta Washington, aged 74, who was present at the ceremony. TMZ noted that she was capturing the moment from the front row, showing her immense pride in her husband’s new calling.
Washington, who played the role of Macrinus in the recently-released Gladiator II, wept as his wife delivered an emotional speech at the church, according to Page Six.
Pauletta, mother to children John, 40, Katia, 38, and twins Olivia and Malcolm, 33, with the actor, referenced their family in her speech.
She said, ‘I’m very proud of you; you are the head of our house and you have set a great example for our children, who are now adult children who know the difference because we have shown them the difference.’
Archbishop Christopher Bryant spoke with Page Six about Washington’s speech to the congregation before he was baptized.
The actor said, ‘It took a while, but I’m finally here, if [God] can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you – the sky literally is the limit,’ according to Bryant.
Washington last month spoke about religion in a wide-ranging chat with Esquire magazine.
‘When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my lord and savior,’ Washington told the publication. ‘I’m unafraid. I don’t care what anyone thinks.’
In a series of images, Washington was seen clad in a white robe with a burgundy stole with a cross on the upper half of each side
Washington last month spoke about religion in a wide-ranging chat with Esquire magazine
The actor said last month, ‘When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my lord and savior. I’m unafraid. I don’t care what anyone thinks’
Washington – who won Oscars for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Training Day in 2002, and for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Glory in 1990 – said Hollywood in general sought to suppress religious talk.
‘See, talking about the fear part of it – you can’t talk like that and win Oscars,’ Washington said. ‘You can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town.
‘I’m free now. It’s not talked about in this town. It’s not talked about. It’s not talked about. It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe.’
In the interview, Washington called into question the concept of Hollywood.
‘There’s no such thing called Hollywood anyway,’ he said. ‘What does that even mean? That to me means a street called Hollywood Boulevard. It’s not like we all meet somewhere and discuss what we believe.
‘So I don’t know how many other actors have faith. I didn’t do no poll. How would I find that out? I mean, there’s no Church Actor Meetings I’ve been to.’
